[QuadList] Fw: [AMIA-L] WARNING TO VIDEO ARCHIVISTS

[Videomagnetics]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Videomagnetics 
To: AMIA-L at LSV.UKY.EDU 
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 10:04 PM
Subject: Re: [AMIA-L] WARNING TO VIDEO ARCHIVISTS


Well said Jim. There is a narrow window of opportunity to get all the video media digitized. We are the only company left in the world refurbishing the quad heads and umatic 3/4 inch as well as other formats EAIJ heads ect. It is a reality that we could close the doors within the next 12 months unless we have an influx of cash or orders which would enable us to train new staff. I have heard that there are some out there that think they can build there own heads but they do not realize the complexity and the resources for tips and parts that are needed. We have been trying to get the word out but so far the response has been flat. Our engineering staff for the older formats are well beyond retirement. I can only say that if the conversion is not done in a short time allot of history will be lost forever.

Tony Korte
Videomagnetics Inc
800-432-3887

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Wheeler 
  To: AMIA-L at LSV.UKY.EDU 
  Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 9:17 PM
  Subject: [AMIA-L] WARNING TO VIDEO ARCHIVISTS


                          WARNING TO VIDEO ARCHIVISTS:  You will lose your video collection unless….
   
  For those of you with videotapes sitting on shelves, it is extremely difficult to convince your funders that conversion to digital must be done NOW!  
   
  The bad news is that the present economy makes it difficult to get any money for anything. You can point out that converting your videotapes to HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) will greatly reduce the space required for your archive.  It can be under a table in your office!
   
  It is obvious to me that you will lose your videotape collection if you put this project off.  In the past, you have probably told your funders that money is needed to save your videotapes.  Now, you must convince your funders that there will be NO video collection unless some money is budgeted each year for converting your old videotapes to a digital medium.
   
  The main problem with playing old videotapes is that analog videotape recorders are no longer being made. With the exception20of VHS, finding an old videotape playback machine that is in useable condition is extremely difficult or impossible.  
   
  This is a Katrina-level disaster and most video archivists are not aware of the consequences of such a catastrophe.  You MUST convert your videotapes to digital ASAP.  
   
  This is not an easy task but the alternative is to lose your video collection FOREVER.
   
  The first step is to hire a person or a company that specializes in advising how to convert analog videotapes to digital.  Discuss with them what you need to do20and what they can do for you.
   
  Next, advise your funders about the alternatives and the impact of doing nothing.  Make it clear that digitizing is a NOW OR NEVER situation for this collection!
   
  Jim Wheeler
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